Rockefeller Museum: A Journey Through Time in Jerusalem

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Overview

The Rockefeller Museum, situated in delectable Jerusalem, is renowned for its remarkable collection of antiquities excavated from Israel during the British Mandate from 1919 to 1948. Established in 1938 and originally known as the Palestine Archaeological Museum, the museum received its iconic name due to the generous backing from American philanthropist John D. Rockefeller Jr. The stunning building, crafted by architect Austen Harrison, features an elegant design in white limestone. Visitors can traverse history through thousands of artifacts grouped chronologically, spanning from the Paleolithic era to the Ottoman period. Key exhibits include a fascinating 9,000-year-old statue from Jericho and exquisite gold jewelry from the Bronze Age. Noteworthy highlights also encompass 8th-century wooden panels from the esteemed Al-Aqsa Mosque, 12th-century marble lintels from the Church of the Holy Sepulchre, and the intricate Ein Gedi synagogue mosaic. The museum's courtyard holds a remarkable ancient pine tree stump, steeped in legend, believed to mark the spot where Ezra the Scribe penned the Torah after the Babylonian exile.

Photo of Rockefeller Museum
Photo of Rockefeller Museum
Photo of Rockefeller Museum
Contact Info
  • AddressSultan Suleiman St 27 Jerusalem, Jerusalem
  • Phone+972 2-628-2251

Reviews

James Miller
United States
5
The range and quality of exhibits in this hidden gem are incredible. More promotion is needed to attract more visitors. If you're looking for a free museum, which is one of the oldest in Egypt with exceptional collections of unique artifacts and impressive historical research, this is the place to go.
Maria Smith
United States
4
A pleasant museum that is often quiet. Compared to other attractions, it may not be the most significant in Jerusalem. Yet, it features many beautiful antiques worth seeing. Be careful with Google Maps; the entrance is located on the opposite side, close to Herod’s gate. Admission is free, which is great!
Sergei Ivanov
Russia
5
An ideal spot for Indiana Jones fans and their friends. It’s uncrowded and offers free parking on Saturdays. This authentic site located at the Old City walls is surrounded by hectic traffic in Sheikh Jarrah, making it feel like another world. A true oasis of calm amid the bustling eastern bazaar.
Ana Almeida
Portugal
5
The collection of historical artifacts from across this region is fascinating, with some pieces from sites that average tourists might not normally access. The museum itself is a splendid artifact; the inner garden brings to mind the public palaces found in Portugal. As locals, we felt as though we were abroad in this space.
Kasia Nowak
Poland
4
With free entry and a large exhibition space, some portions of the display are outdoors. However, not everything is well labeled, and the museum is only open three days a week.